1960’s, their leaders realized that there was a need to unite the
countries in order to effectively fight against neo-colonilization
and also attain development.
because it had many states united for a common cause. They felt that if African
countries also got united like USA, they could go a long way in fostering development.’
said veteran Kenyan politician, Henry Onyango.
of uniting the already independent countries and to also fight for the
liberation of the countries that had not yet been granted independence.However after some decades, the African leaders sensed that OAU’s objectives needed to be extended to more activities and mandates including deployment
of troops to troubled countries. That led to OAU evolving into African
union.The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established in 1963 in Addis
Ababa. By the time it was formed it had a membership of 32 independent
member States. Later on after more countries attained independence and the
membership rose to 53 countries.
‘By the time of the organization’s formation, its major objectives were
to help other countries get independence from colonial masters and also ensure
political liberalization,’ said post colonial Tanzanian administrator Jacob Morobo.
Later on it became evident that OAU had to also focus on the
economic integration. Its members over time started seeing the
necessity of abandoning it’s political character and resolved to
sustain peace and security in the continent which were crucial for
the socio-economic development process.
However, among the successful activities carried out by OAU were
decolonization, solving boundary conflicts, defense of states
sovereignty and territorial integrity, fought against apartheid in
South Africa, promoted African culture, supported health, science and
education and enhanced economic development.
But OAU was largely criticized right from the the beginning. Some
countries still had deep ties to its colonial masters. Many countries
associated themselves with the ideologies of either the United States
or the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War.
And although the OAU gave weapons to rebels and was successful in
eliminating colonization, it could not eliminate the massive poverty
problem. Its leaders were seen as corrupt and unconcerned for the
welfare of the common people. Many civil wars occurred and the OAU
could not intervene. In 1984, Morocco left the OAU because it opposed
the membership of Western Sahara. In 1994, South Africa joined the OAU
after the fall of apartheid.
Failure to address some of those challenges made leaders like late
Muammar Gaddafi of Libya get wary of the organization and started
advocating for changes. Hence the idea of creating African union came
into existence.
Gaddafi, aspired for a united Africa. He encouraged the revival and
improvement of the organization. After several conventions, the African
Union was formed in 2002.
The headquarters of the OAU in Addi’s-Ababa, Ethiopia turned into
the African Union headquarters.
Therefore African Union is a child of OAU. It is composed of 53
African countries.
Right from its onset, the African Union promises to protect Africa’s rich
cultures, some of which have existed for thousands of years.
active than OAU. It has sent troops to Somalia and we can all see that the
education, peace, democracy, human rights, and economic success.The AU Parliament is the legislative body of the African Union
and is composed of 265 officials who represent the common people of Africa.Unlike OAU, the African union has more structure meant to improve
African countries. For example it has The African Court of Justice works to ensure that
human rights for all Africans are respected.
An official of AU, Rita Nabada said that AU endeavors to get healthy food,
safe water, and adequate housing to the poor, especially in
times of disaster. It also gets treatment to people suffering from
from diseases like HIV, AIDS, and malaria..
‘AU supports agricultural projects. It works to improve
transportation and communication and promotes scientific, technological,
industrial, and environmental advancement.’ she said.
The African Union can intervene militarily and has sent peacekeeping troops
to alleviate political and social disorder in places like Darfur (Sudan),
Somalia, Burundi, and Comoros.
However, some of these missions have been criticized as being too underfunded,
also faced with several challenges. She said,’We are still faced with several challenges.
like lack of funds, some African leaders are dictators and corrupt.’She however said that not all is lost because AU’s goal of
integration has fostered one identity and has enhanced the political,
economic, and social climate of the continent, thereby making Africans live
better lives.’
END
